4/27/2012 - Auto safety tips to remember before leaving for a group outing

Officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are supplying college clubs, church functions and other groups with some vehicle safety recommendations before they hit the road this summer.

The NHTSA says that while it's often more convenient for large groups to travel together in one vehicle, it's important not to overload these passenger vans, as it increases the risk of being involved in a rollover accident due to improper weight distribution.

Another crucial tip is making sure the tires are filled with enough air. Tires that are improperly inflated can lead to excessive wear and tear. As a result, NHTSA says motorists can diminish their risk for accidents by installing tires that are no older than 10 years old.

Other things that should be properly maintained are the suspension and steering components of a vehicle, NHTSA asserts. It may be a good idea to review the car manual to get an idea of when they should be serviced.